Motorcycle "Minsk": technical characteristics and success in the international market

The products of the Belarusian enterprise “Motovelo”, located in Minsk, are famous far beyond the country’s borders. Motorcycles and scooters, snowmobiles and ATVs - all these machines in a full range are produced today in workshops equipped with modern equipment. Spare parts for the Minsk motorcycle and for all other cars that are assembled at the plant are made here in a separate production facility.

Success

The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics already met the best standards, began its triumphal march back in 1951, and since then more than six and a half million copies have been sold worldwide. The reliable two-wheeled car was bought in 45 countries, on all continents. The M1A motorcycle became the founder of a whole series of models for various purposes, ranging from a simple road version to a powerful enduro class unit.

The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics, parameters and relatively low cost suited foreign buyers, began to be exported in large quantities to Vietnam and other countries in the South Asian region. The vast market demanded an increase in supplies, and MMVZ constantly increased production. Vietnamese fans of the Minsk motorcycle organized a fan club in 1988, which meets regularly, annually celebrates its anniversary and attracts new members to its ranks.

In the early 1990s, the Minsk motorcycle, the technical characteristics of which had reached perfection by that time, began to be produced in the amount of 220 thousand units annually, and in 1999 the car received the prestigious “Arch of Europe” prize as evidence of international recognition. Then the titled model was modernized several times, which made it even more in demand.

There would be no happiness, but misfortune would help

The history of the “Minsk resident”, in fact, dates back to the distant year 1945. Just as the last battles on the fields of Europe died down, the allies began to divide fascist goods among themselves. As reparations, part of Germany's technical, industrial, and material reserves was exported to the USSR. This part includes mechanisms and technologies from the German DKW plant in the city of Czopau, or Zschopau. Based on the advanced motorcycle of this concern, it was decided to make our own, domestic, model of a two-wheeled companion.

Power point

The two-stroke engine of the Minsk motorcycle of the MMVZ-3.112 brand was unpretentious in maintenance and quite reliable.

• type - gasoline;
• number of cylinders - 1;
• piston stroke - 58 mm;
• cylinder diameter - 52 mm;
• working volume - 123.6 cubic cm;
• compression degree - 10.5;
• power supply: K-62S carburetor;
• cooling - air;
• fuel - A76 gasoline, mixed with oil in a ratio of 25: 1;
• maximum power - 12 hp. at 6900 rpm.

Repair dimensions of piston pin MMVZ Minsk 125 cm3

Motorcycle "Minsk" in sports

In 1956 of the last century, the first cross-country model “M-201K” and mountain enduro “M-201M” were created. Both cars competed successfully and showed good results.

In 1961, the ShK-125 appeared - a version for road racing with a 23 hp super engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour. However, the car was let down by the chassis; the insufficiently strong rear suspension caused the motorcycle to retire from the race.

And only ten years later MMVZ again returned to the topic of racing models. In 1970, the M-211 was created - a powerful sports motorcycle for circuit competitions. The developed fairing that was on the 211th version can today be seen on Japanese Honda and Yamaha sportbikes.

In 1977, the super motorcycle “3.216” appeared, which won one prize after another. And later in 1986, the exclusive MMVZ-2.227 was created - the future record holder.

Specifications

Today the Minsk-125 seems like a relic, but in its time it was quite good. First of all, it must be said that its weight was only 120 kg, it provided everything necessary for comfortable movement with a passenger. Even a novice motorcyclist can cope with the control of the bike. The Minsk is easier to control than many other Soviet bikes. It is driven by a 12-horsepower two-stroke air-cooled engine. The transmission contains a four-speed gearbox. Many Soviet motorcyclists were pleased with the strong, steel frame, and the quality was so good that even decades later it was possible to find rust-free motorcycles, provided they were stored in proper conditions.

The motorcycle tank is designed for 11 liters, and the consumption of the Minsk-125 is only 3 liters for every 100 km. Here it is worth taking into account the fact that gasoline is poured into the engine of the 125 Minsk along with oil. The braking system of the motorcycle is represented by drum brakes. The design is extremely old, but just as reliable and durable. The brakes are incredibly grippy, and if you give them the necessary attention, they won't cause any problems. It is necessary to change the pads in a timely manner; the good news is that there will be no problems with their purchase even today. A pair of shock absorbers are installed at the rear of the motorcycle, and a very ordinary telescopic fork is installed at the front. Many were not satisfied with the factory softness of the suspension, so they additionally installed a spacer in the fork and took other tricks. But too soft suspension is a feature of many motorcycles produced in the Union.

Modifications

The range of road motorcycles "Minsk" includes 17 different versions:

• the pioneer among all is, of course, the M1A-Moscow, manufactured in 1951;
• "M1M" was produced from 1956 to 1961;
• "M-103" was produced from 1962 to 1964;
• “M-104” - the model was in production from 1964 to 1967;
• "M-105" - (1967 - 1971);
• "M-106" was produced from 1971 to 1973;
• "MMVZ-3.111" was produced in the period 1973 - 1976;
• “3.115” - years of production 1976 - 1980;
• "3.112" was produced from 1982 to 1995.

In subsequent years, modifications were produced: “MINSK - D4-125”, “CX-200”, “R-250”, “C4-250”, “C4-200”, “M-125”, “M-125X”, "S4-125", "S-125".

Three enduro class models were also created:

• MINSK X200;
• MINSK ERX-250;
• MINSK TRX-300i.

A separate list includes sports modifications:

• models “M-201K” and “M-201M”, released in 1956 and intended for multi-day competitions;
• "Minsk ShK-125" - road-circuit racing;
• "M-213" (1969) - multi-day competition;
• MINSK RX 450, MINSK RX 250, MMVZ-3.221, 3.225, MMVZ-3.229 - motocross;
• "3.227" was produced between 1987 and 1991 for circuit racing;
• model "MMVZ-3.232", produced in 1993, for trial competitions.

Spare parts and repairs

Of course, it is difficult to say that the new Minsk has inherited the reliability and unpretentiousness of its two-stroke ancestor, but it cannot be called bad either. The engine, although it is a Chinese design, works properly and, if used correctly, can demonstrate a good service life.

Minsk has long established itself as a national brand, and now it is trying to maintain its name.

Many consumables and spare parts can be easily found on the Internet at an affordable price. As for residents of the Republic of Belarus, there are purchasing options in MotoVelo stores.

The motorcycle has an extremely simple design, so almost any breakdown can be repaired in your own garage.

Price

The Minsk motorcycle, the price of which was always kept at a budget level, was accessible to all segments of the population of the former USSR. In some regions it was used as an incentive prize for particularly distinguished employees, machine operators, farmers, and shock workers of communist labor.

Currently, the Minsk motorcycle, the price of which varies from 65 to 145 thousand rubles, can be purchased at the car market. Before purchasing, it would be a good idea to evaluate the technical condition of the car from an expert point of view for further restoration. If a motorcycle is purchased for the purpose of operation, then it will necessarily require repairs, routine or major. Therefore, the future owner must make sure that the necessary spare parts can be freely purchased at retail.

Climbing

In the same year, 1945, the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant also began. They built, or rather rebuilt, it on the site of an old haberdashery factory for the production of buttons.

Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant

Slowly they began to import equipment and documentation from the DKW plant. But it was still very early to talk about the production of serious equipment. We started with a simple thing - with a bicycle.

Did you have a Minsk motorcycle?

NOT REALLY

In 1946, the production of bicycle parts began, and two years later the workshops were producing seven thousand finished copies per year. Moscow noticed the growing pace of the enterprise, so in 1951 it was decided to give them the task of producing a motorcycle, which in the future would become the well-known “Minsk” model.

Expert opinion

Isaac Yakovich Zelder

Soviet astrophysicist, physical chemist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences, designer, engineer. Hero of Socialist Labor of the USSR.

In the same year, the first model was released - the elegant and compact “M1A”. It was single-seat, had three gears and ran on A-66 gasoline. The nine-liter tank made it possible to travel up to 400 kilometers without refueling, at an average speed of 40-50 km/h. The maximum acceleration was possible until the mark on the speedometer was 70.

The people quickly fell in love with him and even dubbed him “Macaque”. Probably out of great love. However, someone was dissatisfied with its relatively low speed, although at that time such indicators were very good. Some people didn’t like only one seat, for the driver, because you can’t put your young lady in the back and drive off somewhere towards romance and adventure. But, in general, most of those who used it liked it.

Flaws

• Power, weak engine. Many people note that for the same money it is better to buy a pita. Interestingly, dealers also share this point of view. In stores next to Xmotos there will definitely be Kayo - models from a Chinese manufacturer whose main production area is pit bikes and components for them.
• Sometimes the shortcomings include the company's marketing efforts. Selling two bikes under one name. As a rule, the dealer’s price tag clearly displays the brand name and the alphanumeric abbreviation of the model. There is no information about what this cross is, or in a much smaller font.
• The disadvantages also include the need to rev the engine to the cutoff in order for the bike to somehow move.
• Some users include the absence of PTS in the list.

and dignity

The Xmotos XZ250 can be recommended for beginner racers.

The advantages include:

• light weight;
• modern appearance;
• price;
• a large number of spare parts.

A special plus is noted by those who like to create custom. “Despite the fact that XMOTOS makes its own bikes, and does not assemble them from parts - any marketing name is nothing more than a name. Already at the factory, tuned versions are produced, and if you want your own bike, you need to go shopping. Maybe there is already something that you are just going to do?”

External tuning

Drivers often wonder how to paint a motorcycle. In general, this is also tuning. It is better not to change the color radically, just apply different designs. This way you can be guaranteed to avoid problems with traffic police officers. Be sure to install a windshield and protective arches.

This not only improves safety, but also significantly increases travel comfort. Alloy wheels are often installed. They have a more beautiful appearance, increasing the attractiveness of the motorcycle. Another type of tuning that is often found is making the lights brighter. In fact, it's not worth doing this.

It will not be possible to significantly increase the illumination of the road, but the load on the generator will increase. Therefore, think about whether you are ready to regularly repair the generator for the sake of a little brighter light.

Previous entry Technical characteristics of the Minsk motorcycle

Next entry Izh Jupiter 3 - technical specifications, review

Engine tuning

Probably every motorcyclist is a fan of dynamic riding, but the Minsk motorcycle is not particularly designed for this. Therefore, first of all, owners strive to modify the engine. You can easily add a couple of horsepower here.

Typically, cylinder boring is used for this. This way you can increase the compression ratio, and, accordingly, the engine power. Let's take a closer look at how this is done:

1. The block is ground down by 1.5 mm, the lower edge of the block head is also ground down, also by 3 mm. The motorcycle cylinder is being modified on a lathe;
2. Increase the size of the outlet and inlet openings;
3. Install new valves, better than those made in Japan;
4. The piston is being modified. They take a standard piston and fit it to the modified engine. If you do not have a special lathe, or you are not entirely confident in your abilities, then it is better to give the engine to an experienced lathe.

After such processing, the engine will receive an additional 1-2 hp. But, it is worth considering that it will be more demanding on nutrition; here it needs to fill with gasoline with an octane number of at least 92.

"Ural"

The history of Ural motorcycles from the late 30s until 1964 was the history of a military motorcycle.
Even after the motorcycle began to be sold to ordinary people, the owner of the Ural was obliged to register with the military, and the State Traffic Inspectorate forbade using the motorcycle without a sidecar. Because of this, “Ural” did not gain fame among young people. It found its niche as a heavy duty utilitarian motorcycle. It was used for walks under the moon, for transporting goods, for trips to the taiga, and even for motorcycle tourism. The IMZ motorcycle was equipped with a 650 cc four-stroke engine and was considered reliable among Soviet motorcycles. Engine power, depending on the model, ranged from 31 to 36 hp. The maximum speed when used with a stroller is 105 km/h. In 1985, the two-millionth motorcycle of the M-67 model rolled off the plant’s assembly line.

In the 90s, the plant managed to survive. Now most of the motorcycles are exported.

Tags: interesting • history • favorites • motorcycles • Soviet Union • USSR • transport

Select the desired product option

The universal moped Minsk D4 50 is an excellent option for those who are not quite ready for a powerful motorcycle, but no longer want to pedal a bicycle. A small-capacity vehicle is ideal for beginners so that they can get used to two wheels with an engine, and then switch to something cooler. Such mopeds are also popular among hunting and fishing enthusiasts, as well as among adults who need to get to their dacha or village.

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